Doug Martin is a former NFL running back best known for his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He gained recognition for his explosive rookie season and his consistent performance as a starting running back throughout his career.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Douglas Matthew Martin
Born: January 13, 1990
Hometown: Irvine, California

High School:

• Doug Martin attended Edison High School in Huntington Beach, California, where he was a standout athlete. He played multiple positions in high school, showcasing his speed and versatility.

College:

• Martin played college football at Boise State University, where he was a highly productive running back.
• At Boise State, Martin became one of the top running backs in college football, earning First-Team All-WAC honors and setting multiple records for the Broncos.
• During his college career, he rushed for over 3,400 yards and scored 43 touchdowns, gaining a reputation as a powerful yet quick runner with great vision.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Doug Martin was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1st round of the 2012 NFL Draft (31st overall pick).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012–2016)

• Running Back:
  • Martin had an immediate impact as a rookie in 2012, rushing for over 1,400 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors.
  • His breakout rookie season, often referred to as “The Muscle Hamster” season (a nickname given due to his compact build and strength), made him one of the top running backs in the NFL that year.
• Subsequent Seasons:
  • After his strong rookie season, Martin’s career was a mix of high-level performances and struggles with injuries. He had notable seasons in 2015, where he again rushed for over 1,400 yards, and his consistency was key in the Buccaneers’ offense.
  • Despite his potential, Martin battled injuries during his career, including hamstring issues and a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy in 2016, which led to an up-and-down career.

Oakland Raiders (2017)

• 2017 Season:
  • After being released by the Buccaneers following the 2016 season, Doug Martin signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders in 2017. However, his time with the Raiders was brief, and he struggled to regain his previous form.
  • Martin played in 11 games with the Raiders but was not able to replicate his earlier success, rushing for only 406 yards.

Retirement

• Following the 2017 season, Doug Martin announced his retirement from the NFL, officially ending his career after six seasons.

Post-NFL Life

• After retiring from the NFL, Doug Martin has stayed out of the public eye, though he has occasionally spoken about his playing days and the struggles he faced during his career, including dealing with injuries.

Legacy

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
  • Doug Martin is remembered for his impressive early seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, especially his 2012 rookie campaign, which remains one of the best performances by a rookie running back in recent history.
  • Though his career was hindered by injuries, his early success made a lasting impact on the Buccaneers’ franchise and solidified his place in the team’s history.

Summary

• Position: Running Back
• NFL Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012–2016), Oakland Raiders (2017)
• Career Length: 6 seasons
• Pro Bowls: 1 (2012)
• All-Pro Selections: 1st-Team (2012)
• Best Season: 2012 (1,454 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns)

Doug Martin’s NFL career was marked by flashes of brilliance, particularly his dominant 2012 season, but also marred by injuries and inconsistency. Despite the setbacks, he remains one of the most memorable running backs in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history due to his early explosive performances.